Police release image of man found in plane undercarriage at airport

Investigators have released an e-fit image of a man who was found dead in the undercarriage of a plane at Gatwick Airport.

Police are still working to identify the man, who was discovered after the aircraft landed at Gatwick from Gambia in December of last year.

The man is believed to be in his 20s or 30s, and investigators are working with the Gambian High Commissioner and HM Coroner to trace his identity.

Sussex Police

The body was found on a TUI aircraft which had arrived in Gatwick from Banjul in Gambia. Gambian officials received information regarding the tragedy from Sussex Police.

The investigation is more difficult as the man was found after the flight without any documentation which could help to find out who he was.

Detective Inspector Darren Lillywhite of Sussex Police said: "This was a tragic case, and we are working to establish the identity of the man found deceased. Somewhere, this man will have relatives or loved ones who do not know what has happened to him."

Graham Bridgeman-Clarke / Alamy Stock Photo

He added: "In particular, we are seeking contact from anyone in the UK that may have been expecting to meet a friend or family member who failed to arrive in December, as well as anyone in The Gambia or neighbouring countries who may have knowledge about an individual who made travel plans to come to the UK or Europe."

A report will be sent to the coroner's office, and an inquest may be opened to formally establish the identity of the deceased, as well as find out how he passed away. Until then, police are continuing their investigations into the tragic incident.

In an initial statement, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Police were called after the body of a man was found in the undercarriage of an aircraft at Gatwick Airport, arriving from Gambia, at about 4am on December 7."

Anyone with information which could lead to the identification of the man has been urged to contact Sussex Police.